Another atypical kris
 

This is an atypical kris, with a Mindanao Moro-made antique blade, re-dressed with a Christianized pinned hilt. The scabbard looks original, but the bands have been replaced; the upper one is marked "Lieutenant Sevilla," likely the one who had the kris re-dressed. There were 2 Lieutenant Sevillas in active duty during the 1920s; one from the Philippine Scouts, the other from the Philippine Constabulary.

As I wrote in my article Unraveling the Moro kris (https://www.rappler.com/.../unraveli...is-sword.../):
"Non-Moro groups re-dress a Moro kris for many possible reasons. The most common is to claim ownership of the weapon. For Spanish and American colonizers (including Filipino soldiers under their command), bringing back a kris equates to prestige in having fought and survived in Moroland."

The provenance trail of the kris is interesting: from "Lieutenant Sevilla," it was acquired by an ILAGA member in the 1970s, who in turn gave it to his friend in Cebu before he passed away. The edge had been extensively sharpened over time.

I reset the hilt and pins, wrapped the grip, and now consider this as my "main" sword. Its hybrid form reflects my own journey: a Christian fortunate to be learning the weaponry and fighting arts of the South, through the generosity of Bangsamoro elders and brothers.

Happy Easter!